10 Most Peaceful Places to Live on Earth

Where would you be the safest if World War 3 broke out tomorrow? Perhaps it’s a grim subject, but safety and distance from world conflict can be a motivating factor in your choice to expatriate. At the very least, conflict around the world can weigh heavy on the soul, and it’s nice to know there are some places still left in the world where you might be left in peace. The Washington Times recently featured an article that caught my attention. It was a report on a study of the most peaceful countries in the world.

According to the Institute for Economics and Peace that rated the relative tranquility of 144 nations according to 23 indicators – including gun sales, the number of homicides, the size of the military, the potential for terrorism and the number of people in jail. The index defined peace as "the absence of violence," and so far, things are a little dicey. Violence and instability have increased, respect for human rights has decreased. The researchers also calculated that the world’s nations have collectively lost close to $8 trillion due to the complications of widespread violence.

So, what is the most peaceful country on Earth? Well, it’s not Britain and it’s certainly not the USA (which places 83rd). It is New Zealand. Yes, the land of Hobbits and Kiwis is officially the most peaceful country in the world. Not only does New Zealand have all the benefits of an English speaking country, it’s also incredibly beautiful with an open society. And they don’t spend a lot of energy trying to kill each other.

Here a list of the 10 most peaceful places to live on earth if you want to escape world conflict.

1. New Zealand

New Zealand might be the most isolated and expansive fully developed nation in the world. It shares no borders, sits relatively distant from any other nation, has no real national enemies, has a safe democracy and a diverse landscape with many remote places to hide away within. Furthermore, it ranked #1 on the Global Peace Index in 2009.

2. Bhutan

Landlocked among the Himalaya mountains, Bhutan is one of the most isolated nations in the world. It also showcases one of the most stable balances in the world between moderization and retention of ancient culture. Its religious population believes in peaceful resolution to all conflict, and although it sits in a troubled region, it remains protected by its geography.

3. Iceland

Iceland, of course, has no borders, has remote locations, is stable as a country and has virtually no world enemies. Its people are happy and the nation always ranks highly on the Global Peace Index. If world conflict erupts, Iceland is one of the few stable nations in the world unlikely to get caught up in the middle.

4. Tuvalu

Isolated in the middle of Micronesia, Tuvalu is among the safest and most remote places in the world. It is the third least populated country on Earth, and the forth smallest. There are only a few places more distant from the world’s strife than Tuvalu.

5. Finland

Finland has a long history of desiring to stay out of international conflicts, is recognized as neutral and always ranks in the top 10 of the Global Peace Index. It’s northerly location also typically means the remote areas of this country are a perfect place to disappear.

6. Seychelles

Aside from being safely isolated from the rest of the world in the middle of the Indian Ocean, this beautiful island nation is a great place to forget about your worries. Isolation is the key here. And conflict is as transparent as the water.

7. Canada

Canada is the second largest nation in the world, yet it only shares a land border with one other country - the U.S.A. - and it is a peaceful border. That means there is a great expanse to escape to, if need be. Furthermore, Canada has few world enemies, ranks consistently high on the Global Peace Index, and is relatively homogeneous.

8. Papua New Guinea

There are regions of Papua New Guinea that are still being discovered for the first time. The canopy covered, mountainous nation contains some of the most isolated places in the world. Tuck yourself away in a nook here and it may be one of the few places left where you can completely insulate yourself from the outside world.

9. Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a stable democracy, a disbanded military and a national policy of neutrality. It also ranks highly on the Global Peace Index, Happy Planet Index, and Life Satisfaction Index. Although it sits in the middle of a tumultuous region, there are far worse places to sit in peace as the world goes down in flames all around.

10. Switzerland

Switzerland’s long history of neutrality and its tucked away location among the valleys of the Alps still make it a safe bet, even despite having a high number of bordering nations. It helps that neighboring Austria is also considered a neutral nation.

2013 World Peace Index Report

You may wish to take a look at the 2013 World Peace Index Report below to see the latest list of most peaceful countries in the world.

Ahmad, I know your post is 4 years old, and you’ll never read this, but comparing Canada to Oman is like comparing gold to dog sh**. If you or your people are ungrateful for what we have, then get out. We won’t miss you.

Comment by winston on Fri, Jun 21st, 2013 at 8:35 AM

I need to move my family to a safe country with little or no crime rate, peaceful, cheap, with no racial discrimination, where my lovely peaceful wife do her Masters and doctorate degrees, and my 4 kids can go to school.

Comment by Hyatt on Tue, Jan 29th, 2013 at 7:52 AM

For me, the best place on earth is Switzerland’s one village where there is no police station yet its very peaceful place on the earth.

Comment by Ross Galan on Fri, Sep 7th, 2012 at 9:52 PM

Bhutan to me is not as peaceful as you mentioned it. I have been to this country and it did not appeared to be peaceful to me. How curious it is to notice that countries like India, Tibet and many Eastern countries where meditations are practised are not considered to be peaceful places? This is of course my opinion. - Ross, NLP Spiritual Life Coach

Comment by S. Jordan on Sun, Aug 12th, 2012 at 8:55 PM

I’m looking for a new place to call home. A place where educators are valued and my family can enjoy a peaceful surrounding. Does anyone know of this place in the world?

Comment by sandra isaac on Mon, Jan 17th, 2011 at 4:23 AM

I asked the question perhaps on the wrong page, but my son is suffering with his nerves. He needs to get away and work in a peaceful place. Does anyone have any ideas where he could get outdoor work, unskilled in any of these countries. Thank you, from a desperate mother.

Comment by AHMAD on Mon, Jul 19th, 2010 at 2:33 AM

I agree with some countries but some are totally wrong because Oman is a very peaceful country and you have not even published it. I am from Canada and it is not THAT PEACEFUL as you mentioned.